Stoudemire on Isiah’s role during free agency: ‘I never talked to him once’

Although the Knicks credited Isiah Thomas with helping the team land Amar’e Stoudemire this summer, Stoudemire himself told the media that he never even spoke to Thomas before making his decision to sign in New York.

"No. I didn’t talk to him once," said Stoudemire. "I never talked with him once." Asked if he’s ever met Thomas, Stoudemire said, "A while ago, I think.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: This is exhibit 4,489 that the New York Knicks are dysfunctional.

For weeks, owner James Dolan has publicly credited Isiah Thomas – his disgraced former coach and executive – with helping the Knicks to sign free agent Amar’e Stoudemire.

Dolan then rehired Thomas as an outside consultant because of his supposed success with Stoudemire.

It didn’t matter that Thomas once ran the organization into the ground. It didn’t matter that Thomas was sued for sexual harassment. And it didn’t matter that Thomas’ consulting gig would pose a conflict of interest with his day job as coach of Florida International University.

According to Dolan, Thomas could relate to stars like Stoudemire. So he was back.

Now we discover Thomas had no role in the Stoudemire signing. Zero. Zilch. None. In fact, the All-Star four-man can’t even confirm if or when he talked to Thomas.

Either Stoudemire has a sudden case of amnesia or Dolan is a liar. My money is on the latter.

Why would the Knicks’ madman go to such lengths to bring Thomas back? And why would he credit Thomas for a signing he had no part in?

The answer: Dolan wants Thomas to replace Donnie Walsh as head suit.

Eventually, Walsh’s health will force him to retire. Dolan and Thomas are still close, and this relationship could result in Isiah returning to the city and franchise he once terrorized.

Dolan wanted Thomas in the loop, so he could quickly transition from consultant to executive whenever Walsh calls it quits.

And if that hiring ever happens, it will be even more evidence that the Knicks are dysfunctional.